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enlisted23
5
Jun 17, 2015
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All of the ESS Sabre DACs seem to be out of my price range but I'd still like to try one on my home stereo. The twistedpearaudio DIY kit seems to be the only thing available under $500. At $700 this Sony would be an easier option.
GourouLubrik
13
Jun 23, 2015
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enlisted23Add everything you need around a twisted pear kit (casing, connectors, trafo, usb input, knobs, [...]) and it won't be 500$ anymore.
You can look for a used Audiolab Mdac (I sell mine :D), Yulong D18, Wyred4Sound Dac 1 [...]
Very honestly, you'd better have quite a high end stereo to ear the difference. ES9018 can be costly to implement prayerfully (espescially in the power supply region, and, if you don't like the recommanded design with 3 AD797 - can also be pricy in the analog output stage)
That said, a good voltage dac (new AKM 4490/4495, and good old CS4398 & Wolfson 8741) would be good enough for many desktop speakers based environment.
You can also try "mobile" ESS9018K2M ... not far in measurements but much cheaper (both chip and implementation).
Anyway, I considered this PHA3, despite the unusual 2*3.5mm balanced connector, when I learnt it was yet another TI TPA6120A2 inside... Please Sony, upgrade your PHA4 to use some discrete differential ouput stage or opa1632 + LME49600.
Anyway, I considered this PHA3, despite the unusual 2*3.5mm balanced connector, when I learnt it was yet another TI TPA6120A2 inside... Please Sony, upgrade your PHA4 to use some discrete differential ouput stage or opa1632 + LME49600.
chris.yw
87
Sep 10, 2015
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GourouLubrikSony is not making HiFi products anymore these days. Most of their products is for people who pursue the style rather than sound quality.
AudioMan612
218
Sep 13, 2015
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chris.ywThis is no longer true. This was true until very recently, but Sony is back in the Hi-Fi game. I heard some of their newer equipment at the last Home Entertainment Show Newport Beach, including these speakers: http://www.sonypremiumhome.com/ar-speakers/SS-AR1.php
In addition, I've heard several of their high-end audio streaming devices (they are on that site as well).
In addition, I've heard several of their high-end audio streaming devices (they are on that site as well).
AudioMan612
218
Sep 22, 2015
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chris.ywYes it is, but products like this are absolutely Hi-Fi (I have heard Sony's new headphone amps myself).
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